Spatially Controllable Deposition of Electrospray Microparticles
Electrospray has been widely used in micro/nanotechnology which deposit micro/nanoscale particles on planar surfaces. However, in conventional electrospray approach the distribution of these particles patterned on the collecting surface is poorly controlled. This work introduces a programmable patterning method of electrospray, which microparticles are sprayed on micropatterned collecting chips. By manipulating the local electrical field using a combination of activated and floating electrodes, a good spatial contrast of microparticle patterning is obtained. In addition, the size-dependent contrast enhancement is demonstrated using a series of electrode arrays with different electrode patterns. Combined with encapsulation technique, this unique electrospray method promises potential applications in the field of functional cell/tissue engineering.